Oriental Rug Guide
Handmade, Antique Persian Rugs and Oriental Carpet Rugs

IRANIAN OR PERSIAN RUGS

Persia has been known for centuries as the wonderland of the thousand and one Nights; in our time yet another wonder has been added, in from of oil. The Persian people have always been outstanding craftsmen, with a highly developed artistic sense.

RUGS PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN THE IRANIAN'S DAILY LIFE

In Iran, carpets are made both in urban shops and by nomads scattered about the country. Every rug-weaving family has its Original patterns. Every district has its characteristics, its own style. Today about 80% of the rugs from Iran are workshop made, while only the remaining 20% are handmade rugs from nomads and villagers. In Iran it is quite common to see the whole floor covered with rugs. This applies even to very modest households, but there the quality of the rugs may be inferior. There is an old proverb in the East: "The richer a Persian, the finer his rugs." It is still common for Iranians to invest their money in Persian rugs, which, if necessary, can always be turned into ready cash. One might almost say that rugs are the Iranian's stocks and shares. True, he gets no annual dividend, but rugs can be re-sold at any time, frequently at a profit. This is partly because most buyer in the West are often prepared to pay more for old, antique Persian rugs than for new ones, rugs were also used instead of money, even for paying taxes. An Oriental rug especially good hand knotted Persian rug takes a long time to wear out. In fact you could almost say that one rug may wear out several generations.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE BUYING A RUG

The following points should be born in mind when choosing an Oriental rug.

» Is it attractive?

» Will it harmonize with its intended setting?

» Do the colors and size meet your needs?

» Does the carpet look beautiful and fit with in your budget?

BUYING A RUG OF YOUR OWN

Many things may determine the price of a Persian carpet; an 'expensive' name is no guarantee of quality. Even if two rugs come from the same district, there may very well be a great difference in their value. The quality of the wool and the dyes may be responsible for this, and there is also the human element: all weavers do not have same artistic talent, or work with the same care. In order to assess an Oriental rug one must study the wool of which it is made, the pattern and dye. The number of knots their fineness and regularity must also be taken into account. Finally, the general condition of the rug should be checked to see that it lies smoothly, is straight, and that there are no serious faults in the weaving. Antique Oriental rugs are usually more expensive than a new one; and in addition some worn patches may be expected, especially Persian.

BE KIND TO YOUR HAND MADE RUGS

If you have a good hand knotted Oriental rug at home, you must realize that you posses a high quality work of art. An Oriental rug is generally made of wool and is easily and economically maintained. Wool area rugs are much more resilient, clean better, and stay clean longer than rugs made of other materials.

Be kind to it; it deserves it!

PADDING

When the rug is used on the floor, always make sure that the floor is even and has no rough patches; Also an under felt is necessary. The use of under felt saves Persian carpets from incessant crushing between the hard floor and still harder shoe-heels. A quality pad used under your rug helps protect it from dirt, wear and slippage.

Pads for rug over hard surfaces	Pads for rug over Tiles	Pads for rug over Carpets
Super - Stop Natural	Duo-Lock	Duo-Lock
For rug over hard surfaces: Solid is made from a superior quality polyester fabric coated with a high-grade vinyl compound. Solid's thickness provides a rich, luxurious feel and maximum non-slip qualities. Solid is to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew. And can be custom cut to fit any rug size, guaranteed to maintain its non-slip properties for 10 years with proper maintenance.
For rug over carpet & hard surfaces: Duo-Lock features a needle-punched fabric with textured waffle-backing for improved gripping power on hard surface floors and carpets. It provides the ultimate in cushioning and insulation for Persian area rugs. Designed for use under any kind of rug, and can be custom cut to fit any rug size. Duo-Lock is guaranteed to maintain its non-slip properties for 10 years with proper maintenance.

FRINGE

Fringes are a vulnerable point in all Oriental rugs. And they should be secured, if necessary, either by stitches at the back, or by sowing on a matching binding. Then at least the fringe can wear out by itself, without fraying the rug.

RUG CLEANING

Should be a gentle process. Oriental hand made rugs must not be vacuum cleaner too often or too vigorously. A powerful modern vacuum cleaner should never be used more than once a week. And you should clean only in the direction of the pile. Always with the pile (you can establish the direction of the pile by passing your hand lightly across the rug). A gentle brushing is often enough any way. Heavy furniture crushes and marks the pile; it is advisable to use protectors under the legs. Professional washing is recommended every two to five years depending on the amount of traffic or stain.

RUG ROTATION

To insure even wear, your rug should be rotated once a year depending on traffic the rotation may vary from one year to three years.